Saturn moves into Scorpio, Jupiter turns retrograde and Mercury enters Sagittarius. What do these astrological events mean for your October horoscope? Lifescript Horoscope Expert Kelli Fox has the answer…

Astrological events: Venus moves into Virgo (Oct. 3 to 28)What it means for your October horoscope: While Venus is in Virgo, you may be reaching for the stars in your love life. You probably won’t settle for someone who doesn’t meet your standards, preferring solitude to imperfection.

You may be more critical of potential suitors or, if in a relationship, of your partner. Although you may think you’re being helpful, your words could be received as harsh or judgmental. At the same time, you might be more sensitive to other people’s criticism because you feel less confident than usual.

Luckily, you’re willing to work through any relationship issues that come up during this period, and you can make lasting improvements in your partnership.

In fact, this also could be a favorable time to work on your most important lifelong relationship: the one you have with yourself.

Self-acceptance will be a big lesson now, especially regarding your feelings of attractiveness. You might pick apart your appearance and be critical for your perceived faults and imperfections. If there’s an area to make a positive difference – like improving your self-care habits through diet or exercise – this is an excellent time to do so. For those aspects beyond your control, practice loving yourself just as you are.

Astrological events: Jupiter turns retrograde (Oct. 4 to Jan. 30, 2013)What it means for your October horoscope: Jupiter, that big, fat, gaseous giant of the solar system, is retrograde (meaning it appears to move backward) about one-third of the time. Both the retrograde and direct stations – the points at which Jupiter seems to turn around in its orbit – occur when the Sun trines, or forms a 120-degree angle to, Jupiter.

Unlike other planets’ retrograde periods, Jupiter Retrograde has a positive effect. Since Jupiter rules expansion and exaggeration, these regular turning-back periods are like an automatic braking system: They keep things from getting out of hand.

Jupiter also influences our belief systems; when it’s retrograde, we’re more likely to follow our own path rather than be led by others. It’s an excellent time to clarify where you stand on any issue and develop personal faith, self-reflection and independent learning.

When Jupiter turns in either direction, it’s best to avoid long-distance travel or legal appointments if possible. Jupiter’s energy is strong at these times, and you may find headlines that reflect Jupiterian themes, such as religion or spirituality, overconfidence or fanaticism. Because Jupiter is currently in Gemini, the next few months are not a good time to travel or study, except if it’s to revisit a place or course you’ve taken before.

Astrological events: Mercury moves into Scorpio (Oct. 5 to 28)What it means for your October horoscope: Under the influence of Mercury in Scorpio, you may seek deeper meaning and core truths. With intense focus, you’ll dig beneath the surface to get to the bottom line, mentally clearing away meaningless data and uncovering the essence of what’s really important. Intellectual intensity can turn into obsession – once your mind latches on to an idea or train of thought, you won’t want to let go until you’ve taken it to its logical conclusion.

Watch out for a tendency to think more suspiciously and even cynically during this time. You’re not likely to take people’s words or ideas at face value. Worse, you could be consumed with paranoid thoughts. Your best bet is to say what you’re thinking and get a perception check.

However, you might be afraid to reveal your inner world and even expect other people to guess what you’re thinking and feeling – and that might lead to misunderstandings.

Your mind might be drawn to the dark side now – mysteries, thrillers, magic and the occult fascinate. In your longing to understand people’s inner workings and motivations, you might also read up on psychology or astrology.

Astrological events: Saturn moves into Scorpio (Oct. 5 to Sept. 2015)What it means for your October horoscope: Under the influence of Saturn in Scorpio, your willpower and endurance are legendary. Once you commit to a goal, you have the drive and persistence to see it through to the end. You might even be considered obsessive, tenaciously pursuing your passion to the point of neglecting other areas of life.

Deep intimacy becomes a higher priority, and if you’re willing to do the work, committed partnership can be extremely rewarding. The biggest challenge: To be willing to reveal your true feelings and let your vulnerability be seen by your partner.

As you work to uncover your authentic self, you’re likely to get in touch with your basic issues and deep-seated fears. If you’re courageous enough to explore your dark side, you have the potential to free yourself from old emotional patterns that hold you back.

Watch out for a tendency to control people you’re closest to. Motivated by fear, you’ll want to hold on tightly to what you have – in your relationships, finances and possessions.

A big lesson during this transit will be letting go – trusting in the deeper life process of death and rebirth, and releasing what’s stagnant to create space for new growth.

Astrological events: Mars moves into Sagittarius (Oct. 6 to Nov. 16)What it means for your October horoscope: Under the influence of Mars in Sagittarius, you’ll broaden horizons and approach life as a daring adventure. You may be constantly on the move, restless to explore new vistas and impatient with the daily grind.

Personal freedom is a high priority now, and you’ll feel an urge to break free from any stifling relationship or situation. “Don’t fence me in” could be your theme song.

Energy is high and you’ll enjoy physical exercise and competitive sports. Spending time in the wilderness – away from people and ordinary pressures – recharges batteries and fuels inspiration. Travel, especially to foreign destinations, could also be on the agenda, because you long to reach beyond the familiar and encounter different cultures.

During this transit, you’re likely to feel enthusiastic about a variety of pursuits, and your zest for life is contagious. You easily attract people with your adventurous spirit and optimistic outlook. Just watch out for a tendency toward recklessness and irresponsibility, especially with other people’s feelings. You could be guilty of “foot in mouth” syndrome now, blurting out whatever comes into your mind without thinking through the consequences. Be quick to offer a sincere apology, and you’re likely to be forgiven.

Astrological events: New Moon in Libra (Oct. 15) What it means for your October horoscope: The Libra New Moon shifts your attention to relationship issues with business associates, sweethearts and friends. Cooperation is vital to a harmonious life. You may just be starting to fathom interconnectedness in the world.

Consider the bonds that you have with others. Are the connections ideal? Compromise is at the heart of peaceful coexistence. Evaluate whether you’re getting a fair shake when dealing with people. Are you being fair and reasonable as well? This may be time to address these kinds of questions.

Respect, love and trust are generally earned, so ponder how to develop these qualities within relationships. Address balance issues if you’re involved in an unequal association. You may want to peruse a couple of books for some ideas on how to proceed.

Try to surround yourself with objects pleasing to the eye. Beautify your life with calming colors. In doing so, you create an environment conducive to pleasant interactions. Black walls with protruding sharp metal objects wouldn’t be the most uplifting place to have a romantic evening, for example.

Think of ways to be more open to differing views. You can’t easily change others, but you can change your behavior.

Astrological events: The Sun moves into Scorpio (Oct. 22 to Nov. 21) What it means for your October horoscope: During the Sun’s stay in Scorpio, you may get in touch with deeper and darker aspects of yourself. You’re not interested in the superficial; instead, you want to uncover what’s hidden beneath the surface.

You might seem mysterious to others, and may reveal yourself only to those who have proven they can be trusted. Your feelings are intense; you might be afraid you’ll scare people away if they see how passionate and extreme you can be.

In reality, you’re probably afraid of being vulnerable. But if you hide emotions, you’ll miss out on the intimacy you’re longing for. If you risk revealing yourself, you can strengthen bonds with a significant other.

Your desire to use your intuitive powers and uncover hidden motivations could lead you to study psychology or astrology. Investigation and research can also be rewarding.

You have focus and willpower to complete any project, which means digging until you get to the root of the issue. You’re relentless in your pursuit of truth.

Under the influence of the Scorpio Sun, you have the potential to heal from old wounds and transform a stagnant situation. The key is being willing to let go of the past, release what you’ve outgrown, and forgive yourself and others.

Astrological events: Venus moves into Libra (Oct. 28 to Nov. 21)What it means for your October horoscope: Under the influence of Venus in Libra, your social life could be in full swing. Gracious manners come naturally to you now, and your charms are irresistible. You easily attract friends and lovers and may find yourself to be quite popular, with your social calendar booked solid.

If you’re single, you may long to be in a partnership, and might even compromise your ideals, preferring to be coupled up than alone. You’re also more likely to see the good in everyone, so you’re less critical of potential mates. If you’re in a relationship, this can be a sweet time for rekindling the romance and bringing out the best in each other.

Yes, this contradicts the effects of just-ended Venus in Virgo, but you should socialize and spend time with others. This is not a time to go solo.

You might go out of your way to avoid conflict or confrontation during this transit, smoothing over differences of opinion to keep the peace – even if that means sacrificing your needs or desires. You’re an excellent diplomat and negotiator, able to see both sides of a situation and find the common thread that brings people together.

Collaborative projects flow easily; you’re able to work harmoniously with others and cooperate toward a shared goal. Justice and fairness are important to you now, so you do your best to create results that are a win for everyone involved. Just be sure that you’re receiving as much as you’re giving.

Astrological events: Mercury moves into Sagittarius (Oct. 29 to Dec. 31) What it means for your October horoscope: While Mercury transits Sagittarius, you might broaden your world view and explore a variety of subjects. There’s an urge to expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives, especially of a philosophical nature. You ask yourself life’s big questions, wondering, What does it all mean?

Optimistic thinking and faith in positive outcomes characterize this transit. Nitpicky details, facts and figures are less interesting, and you make decisions based on intuition rather than logic or analysis. This is an excellent time to focus on your ideal vision for the future, though not so favorable for figuring out the steps to get there. Planning and practicality can come later.

You can be a highly entertaining storyteller now, and you may have a tendency to tell tall tales. You make broad, generalized statements that you might not be able to back up with hard evidence. As long as you’re not arrogant and think that your “truth“ is the only one, people will forgive you because you tend to come from a place of generosity and idealism.

In your longing to stretch beyond the mundane world, travel will appeal to you, especially abroad. You might feel compelled to brush up on foreign language skills or learn about different cultures.

Astrological events: Full Moon in Taurus (Oct. 29)What it means for your October horoscope: During the Taurus Full Moon, you may see some monetary rewards for financial maneuvers you made earlier. Having pledged to stick by your instincts, this could be a period of fulfillment, where you see the benefits of monetary strategies. Perhaps additional, unexpected benefits will be revealed. With extra cash flow, you can afford to splurge on yourself a little.

You’re likely to be more “chill” with a Taurean moon, which can make you grounded and relaxed. In this blissful state, engage in life’s finer things. Go out with friends or your main squeeze to a fab restaurant of culinary repute. You’re not likely to pass on dessert – maybe you’ll have two! Even if people around you seem to be in a huff, you’re likely to stay centered and retain your cool.

Relationships can be quite satisfying as well. Loving feelings can be easily expressed through touch and whispers. This is also a delightful period for smaller social events, where you can spend quality time with each person.

Life can feel quite rich and satisfying with all the lovely gifts of comfort at your disposal. No one will fault you for indulging. In fact, they’ll probably join you!

Watch the tendency, however, to use money to determine power in your interactions. As the moon begins to wane, curb your spending.

Kelli Fox is a certified astrologer, co-founder of The Astrologer Inc. (www.theastrologer.com) and Lifescript horoscope expert. Kelli is a member the American Federation of Astrologers, National Council for Geocosmic Research and International Society for Astrological Research. In 1995, Kelli founded Astrology.com, which became the largest astrology website. She currently publishes daily horoscopes and planetary updates, annual forecasts and compatibility reports for The Astrologer and her iPhone app, "Today's Horoscope."